Phi.—But what kinde of death I pray you?
Epi.—It is commonly used by fire, but that is an indifferent thing to be used in every countrey, according to the law or custome thereof.
Phi.—But ought no sexe, age, nor ranke, to be exempted?
Epi.—None at all, (being so used by the lawfull magistrate), for it is the highest point of idolatry wherein no exception is admitted by the law of God.
Phi.—Then barnes may not be spared?
Epi.—Yea, not a haire the lesse of my conclusion, for they are not that capable of reason as to practise such things; and for any being in company, and not reveiling thereof, their less and ignorant age will no doubt excuse them.
Phi.—I see ye condemne them all that are of the counsell of such craftes.
Epi.—No doubt the consulters, trusters in, overseers, interteiners, or stirrers up of these craftes folkes, are equally guiltie with themselves that are the practisers.
Phi.—Whether may the prince then, or supreme magistrate, spare or oversee any that are guilty of that craft, upon some great respects knowen to him?
Epi.—The prince or magistrate, for further trials cause, may continue the punishing of them such a certaine space as he thinkes convenient, but in the end to spare the life, and not to strike when God bids strike, and so severely punish in so odious a fault and treason against God, it is not onely unlawfull, but doubtlesse no lesse sinne in that magistrate, nor it was in Saules sparing of Agag; and so comparable to the sinne of witchcraft itselfe, as Samuel alledged at that time.